Trump Nominates Keith Sonderling as Permanent Labor Secretary After Months as Acting Chief

Jun 29, 2026

President Donald Trump announced on June 29, 2026, the nomination of acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling to permanently lead the U.S. Department of Labor. Sonderling, a business-aligned official who previously served as deputy secretary, succeeded Lori Chavez-DeRemer after her April 2026 resignation amid misconduct investigations. Sonderling recently drew attention by threatening to withhold federal funds from 53 states and territories over unemployment fraud. His nomination requires Senate confirmation.

Sonderling nomination as Labor Secretary

▪Keith Sonderling served as a member of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission before being tapped for roles in the U.S. Department of Labor.
▪Keith Sonderling's nomination to serve as the permanent U.S. Secretary of Labor requires confirmation by the United States Senate.
▪President Donald Trump announced on June 29, 2026, that he would nominate acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling to permanently lead the U.S. Department of Labor.
▪Keith Sonderling previously served as the Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer of the U.S. Department of Labor.

Chavez-DeRemer resignation scandal

▪Former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer resigned in April 2026 following allegations of misconduct, abuse of power, and an internal investigation.
▪The U.S. Department of Labor's inspector general investigated allegations against Lori Chavez-DeRemer, including travel fraud, drinking on the job, and inappropriate relationships.

Independent contractor rule advocacy

▪Keith Sonderling helped develop the 2020 and 2026 Trump Independent Contractor rules, which modified several federal labor laws to protect independent contractors.
▪Keith Sonderling worked to cease enforcement of the 2024 Biden administration independent contractor rule after Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election.

Unemployment insurance fraud crackdown

▪Keith Sonderling threatened to withhold federal administrative funds from states and territories that fail to address unemployment insurance fraud.
▪On June 17, 2026, Keith Sonderling sent letters to 53 states and territories demanding action against waste, fraud, and abuse in unemployment insurance.

Senate confirmation context and reactions

▪Keith Sonderling was previously confirmed to his deputy position at the U.S. Department of Labor by a 53-46 Senate vote.
▪Senator Bill Cassidy, Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, praised Keith Sonderling's nomination and supported his upcoming hearing.

Business organization endorsements

▪The National Council of Agricultural Employers endorsed Keith Sonderling's nomination, calling him a champion for the agricultural economy.
▪Business leaders and Representative Mary Miller praised Keith Sonderling's pro-business record and his nomination to lead the U.S. Department of Labor.